Laura Figi.jpg

Laura Figi

Senior Newsletter Editor

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

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City
ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Cozy bookstore interior with wooden shelves filled with colorful books. Round tables hold more books and plants, creating a welcoming, tranquil atmosphere.
Small Business
Local love: CHStoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Callie Putnam
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Business
Local love: ATXtoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A softly lit room set up for a yoga class with green yoga mats.
Business
Shop around the block: LOUtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 24, 2026
 · 
Declan Lowthian
A yellow little free library outside of the flagship Kendra Scott store.
Business
Meet the Austin founders on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500
This year’s national list includes 14 entrepreneurs behind local companies — from dating apps to jewelry to nutrition.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A gated pool and palm tree within the Welcome Canary apartment complex courtyard.
Real Estate
How does renting in Lakeland compare to Polk County?
We’re diving into the average cost to rent in Lakeland compared to nearby cities.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
girlsgirlsgirls Burrito's owner and operator Sara Wood holds a blue bike in front of a colorful wall in Lexington, Kentucky
Local love: LEXtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Alexis Baker
A turquoise wall at ONETACO features a framed photo of Guy Fieri on the left and a stencil-style graffiti portrait of him in blue and yellow on the right. The graffiti includes his signature, the phrase "Guy Fieri was here," and the Food Network logo. Below the artwork is a red-walled hallway lined with framed sports jerseys.
Food
14 hot spots where celebrities like to eat and party in Austin
We know Austin has an exquisite culinary scene, and apparently celebrities do too, because they’re all over town visiting the city’s famous restaurants and hidden gems.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_LuckPotluckWillieNelsonPerformance2026
Culture
Inside the annual Potluck dinner, fundraiser, and concert at Luck Ranch
Warning: Setting foot on Lunch Ranch may make you want to never leave.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A table set at an outdoor restaurant with a bowl of whipped cheese topped with diced tomatoes, herbs, and nuts, accompanied by pieces of toasted flatbread. Three cocktails are in the background: a pale yellow drink in a wine glass with a sprig of thyme, a dark espresso martini in a coupe glass, and a pink beverage in a tall glass with a black straw. The setting features wicker chairs, a potted plant, and natural light streaming through open windows.
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Austin
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in town, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, micheladas, and more.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A large group of musicians and performers, including Willie Nelson, on stage under bright lights, with a neon sign reading "Luck" in the background. Some artists are seated playing guitars, while others stand with brass instruments, singing or engaging with the audience. The crowd in the foreground raises hands and takes photos.
Culture
Inside Luck Reunion, Willie Nelson’s Americana music festival
The annual celebration of live music and cosmic cowboy vibes is known to sell out quickly, and for good reason.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
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Business
How three TCU grads’ pre-workout made Forbes 30 Under 30
Three college friends-turned-founders made the list with their honey-based performance gel, which is made with organic honey and clean ingredients.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A massive structure covered in vines with a round red sign that reads "XXX Pearl."
Travel and Outdoors
How to spend a day in San Antonio, according to an Austinite
Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.
March 13, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_SipsSoundsNight
Culture
Sips & Sounds will bring the beats to Auditorium Shores this weekend
The two-day music festival will bring Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris as headliners.
March 12, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ICONTitan
Real Estate
ICON launches Titan printer rollout for construction companies
The 3D printing construction company will allow builders to utilize its technology and services including its design catalog starting as early as 2027.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Flatstock at SXSW features exhibitors with posters hanging on each wall of the booths. Dozens of people wearing SXSW gear and badges walk through the exhibition.
Events
23 SXSW events that don’t require a badge in 2026
SXSW has fun in store for everyone, whether or not you have a badge this year.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Storefront of Naughty Cat Cafe with a logo of a masked cat. Signs display "30 cats inside" and "Not a strip club," next to a neon "Open" sign.
Small Business
Local love: NOOGAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A small orange camper filled with plants, with succulents outside
Business
Local love: LALtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_PhantomoftheOpera
Culture
Broadway in Austin announces record-breaking 2026-2027 season
Texas Performing Arts is raising the curtain with 11 shows, including premieres like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and returning favorites like “Beetlejuice.”
March 9, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
View of Austin, Texas' skyline with people kayaking in the Lady Bird Lake.
Culture
Beat the daylight saving slump with these Austin activities
The clocks will “spring forward” this weekend, allowing Austinites to make the most of their evenings.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Minaa B., Alok Vaid-Menon, Ana Kirova, and Kesha sit down for a panel conversation on the stage at SXSW 2025.
Events
Best of the fest: Your ultimate guide to SXSW 2026
It’s the SXS-Best time of year in Austin, and SXSW 2026 is going to look a bit different this time around, so buckle in and let us help you plan.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A chalkboard sign from Edge of Urge that says "Only you can keep the local economy thriving."
Local love: RALtoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof
ATX_DiabloHotchicken
Food
Veracruz All Natural founders opening Nashville hot chicken truck this month
Diablo Hot Chicken will start as a food truck serving the beloved Nashville dish, incorporating Mexican chile into the recipe.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A packed crowd at Stubb’s outdoor music venue in Austin, with fans raising their hands and phones toward the stage. The arched canopy above the stage is illuminated with red and pink visuals, while bright stage lights highlight the performing band. A second-level balcony overlooking the scene is filled with spectators, and surrounding trees are lit with blue and purple lighting.
Culture
Listen local: Every Austin-based artist performing at SXSW 2026
Over 160 local musicians will show up to represent the Live Music Capital of the World, and we’ve rounded them up in one easy-to-use guide for you.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_AntonesSXSW
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
February 25, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vintage-style red neon sign for the Austin Motel stands against a partly cloudy sky. Below the main sign, a marquee board displays the message "LET'S AMPLIFY AUSTIN Y'ALL." A covered entrance with colorful neon lights and a small "VACANCY" sign is visible in the foreground.
City
How to give back during Amplify Austin Day 2026
Amplify Austin Day gives Central Texas residents a seamless way to support the community and nonprofits of their choice during this 24-hour event.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Building with a vibrant, vertical rainbow mural on the corner, surrounded by city structures. A parking sign in the foreground points left. Clear sky.
City
Downtown Austin Alliance debuts free parking pilot program
Austinites patronizing participating businesses can get free or discounted parking in two Downtown garages now through the end of April.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Elegant dining room with plush chairs around square tables, set for a meal. Large windows with golden drapes, and crystal chandeliers hang above.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Austin
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Culture
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Austin
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Three frozen margaritas with limes as garnish in pink cups that read "De Nada It's Nothin."
Food
Delicious margarita deals for National Margarita Day
Sip your way through these salty, tangy, and refreshing local specials for National Margarita Day.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
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